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PHOTOS: Pilot of chopper that crashed in Samburu was a cheerful young man who loved adventure
22nd August, 2026 04:56 AM
Josh Outram, the pilot of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed in Samburu on Wednesday, August 19, killing all seven people on board, including five US nationals, was an aspiring young man whose seemingly vibrant life was abruptly cut short by the tragic accident.
His Facebook page, which bears the name Josh Basil Outram, offers a glimpse into the life he lived, with photographs and videos capturing his adventures across Kenya and abroad, moments with friends and family, and quieter occasions when he appeared to simply be enjoying life away from the demands of his profession.
His final post on the page was a video capturing a breathtaking view from one of his flights above a popular lake in Kenya, where a flock of birds suddenly took flight beneath the helicopter, creating a striking spectacle that appeared almost as though it had been lifted from a wildlife documentary.
The remarkable scene, captured from his vantage point in the cockpit, offered a glimpse into the extraordinary views Outram encountered in the course of his work as a pilot, with the birds moving across the landscape below as the helicopter continued its flight.
Before the video, Outram had shared another aerial clip that offered an equally striking perspective of his life in the skies.
In the video, he was seen flying a helicopter high above the clouds, with the expansive landscape below appearing to take on a deep reddish hue, seemingly illuminated by the glow of the setting sun.
The footage provided another glimpse into the adventurous and visually captivating life he appeared to have embraced, as he experienced scenes from the air that few people would ordinarily have the opportunity to witness.
A life shared with friends
Further down his Facebook page are photographs dating back several years, offering glimpses into Outram’s younger years and the friendships he maintained.
Two photographs posted in 2017 show him in relaxed moments with friends.
In one, Outram is seen posing on what appears to be the deck of a tour van alongside two friends, with the three holding bottles of beer as they pose for the camera.
The warm rays of sunlight falling across their faces give the photograph a distinctly outdoorsy feel, while their relaxed poses suggest a moment of leisure away from the routines of everyday life.
In another photograph from the same year, Outram is seen standing alongside a larger group of friends, all of them turning sideways towards the camera while raising cups containing drinks into the air.
The photograph captures what appears to have been a carefree gathering, with the group united in a moment of celebration and camaraderie.
Another photograph, posted in 2015, offers an even earlier glimpse into Outram’s younger years.
In it, he appears alongside three friends inside what looks like a thatched hut, with some holding bottles of soda while others appear to be drinking beer.
The group is captured in a particularly animated moment, with Outram and his friends laughing openly, their mouths wide with amusement as they hold one another by the shoulders while continuing with their drinks.
The photograph presents a youthful Outram surrounded by friends and seemingly enjoying an ordinary moment of companionship.
Passion for aviation
Other photographs on his page provide further clues about the interests and experiences that shaped Outram’s life.
One image shows a rally car speeding along what appears to be a dusty stretch of road, a photograph that suggests he may have been attending or following the Safari Rally in Kenya.
Another photograph, posted in 2013, captures a much younger Outram inside the cockpit of a light aircraft alongside another pilot.
Both men appear relaxed as they face the camera, wearing sunglasses and aviation headsets as the aircraft flies high above the ground.
The photograph stands out as an early glimpse of Outram in the world of aviation, years before he would go on to build a career flying helicopters across Kenya.
Author
Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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